Hard work pays off for Quinnipiac's Hartzell

Updated 11:57 pm, Friday, April 12, 2013

PITTSBURGH -- As soon as he saw Eric Hartzell as a junior in 2011, new Quinnipiac goalie coach Steve Valiquette had an idea of what the big goalie could be.

That was an NHL goalie, let alone a star in college.

"My initial impression was `holy... this guy can play," said Valiquette, editing himself but making the emotion clear.

"It was the way he carried himself, his mind, and his practice habits. Most college kids don't understand how important training is on the ice."

Hartzell did. Valiquette moved on, but he and Hartzell worked out in Bridgeport at the Wonderland of Ice last summer, early in the morning, three times a week.

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The work paid off. Hartzell posted a brilliant senior season, has helped the Bobcats into Saturday's national title game against Yale, and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top player.

"I worked really hard over junior year and all summer with Steve Valiquette," Hartzell said. "He really helped me identify who I was as a goaltender. I wasn't really sure.

"He helped me keep my mind in one place at one time."

Legs bouncing, Hartzell looked more nervous in a suit waiting for the announcement Friday night than he has in the NCAA tournament.

He has been in goal for all 30 of the Bobcats' wins, starting all but one game. His 1.53 goals-against average and .934 save percentage rank third and eighth in the nation, helping Quinnipiac lead the nation in team defense, with an experienced defense corps led by assistant coach Reid Cashman, and on the penalty kill.

Valiquette said there were a few times this year he wanted to see how Hartzell looked without knowing Valiquette was in the stands. He sneaked in late.

Only two goalies have won the Hobey Baker, which was presented for the first time in 1981. Robb Stauber of Minnesota won in 1988 before beginning his pro career with the New Haven Nighthawks in 1989. Ryan Miller, now of the Buffalo Sabres, won it 13 years later for Michigan State.

"I'm very happy for Drew. He's a well-deserving Hobey Baker winner," Hartzell said. "We're here to win the national championship. ... We're going to put all our energy into that."